Food insecure families in Fayette County will be able to take advantage of monthly distributions of food, starting tonight.

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Mercy Hospital, and the community of Oelwein, have partnered to assist local residents in obtaining nutritious food for their families.

Fayette County is one of the top five most food insecure counties within the Northeast Iowa Food Bank service area.

Mercy Hospital became a part of the project as part of it's Community Health Needs Assessment. Nutritious food is a cornerstone of good health, and a key factor in reducing obesity.

This will be the first time the Northeast Iowa Food Bank will partner with a hospital on a mobile food pantry. The hospital donated $5,000 toward transportation costs; plus, the Oelwein Chamber, plaza board members, and community leaders have provided a space for food distribution. The food bank will help gather the food, set up and manage it's distribution.

The Mobile Food Pantry program will start in Oelwein tonight (Oct. 14th) from 5-6:30pm, at the Oelwein Community Plaza; it will then take place the second Wednesday of the month.

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